Cleveland Indians - TeamReport

The Indians are starting to get important contributions from role players up and down their lineup, which tends to happen for first place teams.

Utilityman Jose Lopez was the latest non-starter to chip in when he hit a three-run home run in the eighth inning Thursday, in a game the Indians won over Seattle, 6-5, in 11 innings.

Lopez has been filling in at third base for Jack Hannahan, who has missed the last four games because of tightness in his lower back. Lopez's home run was his biggest hit yet for the Indians.

Lopez came to training camp on a minor league contract and won a spot on the opening day roster. However, he was sent down to Class AAA Columbus on May 1, when the Indians signed outfielder Johnny Damon.

In six games at Columbus Lopez hit .522, which got the attention of Indians' officials.

"He went to Triple-A and didn't put his head down," manager Manny Acta said. "He hit .500 and was ready to contribute when we brought him back up."

That happened on May 12, when the Indians demoted infielder Jason Donald to Columbus, and brought up Lopez, who they feel has a better bat.

"He's not that far removed from being a good hitter in this league," Acta said.

In 2009, Lopez hit 25 home runs for Seattle, and in 2006, as a member of the Mariners, he was selected to the American League All-Star team. It's still early in this season, but Lopez is establishing himself as an important member of the Indians' bench.

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MLB Team Report - Cleveland Indians - NOTES, QUOTES

--C Carlos Santana's walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning Thursday was the third walk-off hit of his career. All three of those walk-off hits by Santana broke a 5-5 tie.

--3B Jose Lopez's home run Thursday was the fifth out of the No. 9 spot in the Indians' batting order this season. That ties the Indians with Tampa Bay and Texas for the most home runs in the majors out of the No. 9 spot in the order.

--3B Jack Hannahan missed his fourth consecutive game Thursday due to soreness in his lower back. An MRI revealed that Hannahan has mild back inflammation in the area around the facet joints. His status remains day-to-day.

--RHP Justin Masterson will start the Indians' first interleague game, Friday vs. Miami. In 16 career appearances, nine of them starts, in interleague play, Masterson is 2-4 with a 4.23 ERA. Masterson has been a model of consistency this season. He had a 5.40 ERA in five starts in April, and he has a 5.40 ERA in three starts in May.

--DH Travis Hafner's home run Wednesday was his 193rd as a member of the Indians. That moves him past Al Rosen (192) and into eighth place on the Indians' all-time list. Hafner was also hit by a pitch Thursday, the 80th time in his career he has been hit by a pitch, which is a franchise record. Hafner had been tied with Napoleon Lajoie with 79. Hafner was hit in the right hand and had to leave the game. "His hand was too swollen to hold the bat," manager Manny Acta said. No X-rays were needed, and Hafner said there is a chance he could play Friday if the swelling in the hand goes down.

BY THE NUMBERS: 0-4 -- The Indians' record in extra inning games at home this year before beating Seattle, 6-5, in 11 innings at Progressive Field on Thursday.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Great." -- An unimpressed DH Travis Hafner, when told he had set an Indians' career record by getting hit by a pitch for the 80th time.

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MLB Team Report - Cleveland Indians - ROSTER REPORT

MEDICAL WATCH:

--3B Jack Hannahan (lower back stiffness) did not play May 14-16. He had an MRI on May 16, and the Indians were waiting on the results before deciding whether Hannahan would be available for the May 17 game.

--RHP Josh Tomlin (sore right wrist) went on the 15-day disabled list May 12.

--OF Grady Sizemore (back surgery in March 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He was cleared to begin baseball activities in late April and took live batting practice May 16. But manager Manny Acta said he was unlikely to be ready June 3, when he can come off the DL. "There is no timetable," Acta said May 16.

--LHP Rafael Perez (strained left lat muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 26.

--RHP Carlos Carrasco (Tommy John surgery in September 2011) went on the 60-day disabled list March 26. He might miss the entire season.